Argh – I was surfing too much and missed it! Thought I’d have a chance for a change here in SoCal. Couldn’t sleep. Ah well, happy birthday to my fav prez ever (and I’ve lived through a LOT of them) and major happy birthday to tnmtngirl!! You have anything fun planned! Ha, I’m at the point where I’m just glad to HAVE another bday. First time I’ve been older than a president. Yikes! ;)

Whatever you do, enjoy your day! Too cool that you and PBO’s are on the same day!!

Good for Sen. Reid, it sure hasn’t borther Sen. McConnell with his part in causing lots of Americans struggle. So why should it bother Sen. Reid to make one lying arrogant, no principal, uppity, rich snob to struggle.

And I love the fight in anybody when it is fair and justfied. President Obama, Senator Reid, Nancy Pelosi, are not picking on someone who is calculated, divisive, sneaky and a weasel.. So this fight is fair and I know they have more woop ass to bring to the ring…

Weasel Rmoney is a grown-ass man who liked to bully people who have been different from him such as his high school mate, his dog, his former drugged up horse, ex-employees, and now he’s getting a small dose of the woop-ass to be delievered, and I fucking love it….

Willard, mittens, sleaze ball, #kissmyassmitt, #romneyshambles, rmoney, would protest and not attend…. Rachel did an amazing job breaking him down so her viewers/followers could see and understand his pattern. He is using psych ops like trust me, and I am a tough guy… Same exact MO he used in the senate race MA gov’s race and now attempting to use in this Presidential race…

GM all & Happy birthday to our wonderful President. I agree with Bill. Rachel will play ‘non-partisan’ all the way. She might even attached the president out right just to ‘prove’ that she can be ‘fair and balance’. I have no high hopes for her at all.

Me too! The 27th & the big 60…a great month to be born, so it turns out! Morning most wonderful Chips, with the sweetest pictures of Birthday President! Extremly excited for debates, & now with Maddow! Too good, just too good!

Good morning TOD family
I want to wish Potus nothing but a Happy Birthday and may God bless him,keep him happy,peaceful,safe,healthy,continue to guide him and help him make the right decision and may God take over the helms of the Obama campaign every day,all day and keep Flotus and Malia and Sasha happy and safe as well
TOD family mom and I are doing well.Still doing rehab and staying low
Thanks Chips for this site.
I hope HZ is feeling well and Hachiko is doing well too
until next time,
Fred :wink:

Rachel Maddow points out the seemingly double standard in the saga over Mitt Romney’s tax returns after finding multiple instances in which Romney attached his political opponents for refusing to release THEIR returns.

This is about 16 minutes of sheer brilliance. This is what real journalism looks like. This segment should be required viewing for the mainstream media and all Americans. Rachel shows how it’s done. This is blockbuster reporting that should embarrass Rachel’s colleagues. I would love to see some of the sheep in the media start following Rachel Maddow’s lead instead of shamelessly carrying water for the GOP.

She also exposed in his dishonesty in 2002 when he LIED and told people something differently from what was actually on the return. She asks why should we now give him the benefit of the doubt, when he has been a PROVEN LIAR when it comes to what’s in his tax returns??

Just fyi guys. I just realized there are two segments about the tax returns running back to back. Make sure to WATCH BOTH. It’s really more than 16 minutes. Rachel spends almost half an hour on Romney’s tax returns. This is just exemplary reporting.

From SmartyPants…re: politco’s article about the President not being able to win over the south…
***************************************************

They’re trying to be so sweet about it that I’d sure hate to ruin their buzz with boring old history. So far be it from me to mention the fact that the Republicans cooked all this up decades ago and even gave it a name…they called it the Southern Strategy. Please excuse me for some language that is about to appear. But I’m sure the Republicans I’m about to quote meant this in the sweetest possible way.

but to pull a piece out….Smartypants talks about the “Southern Strategy”…definition from Wikipedia…

In American politics, the Southern strategy refers to the Republican Party strategy of winning elections in Southern states by exploiting anti–African American racism and fears of lawlessness among Southern white voters and appealing to fears of growing federal power in social and economic matters (generally lumped under the concept of states’ rights). Though the “Solid South” had been a longtime Democratic Party stronghold due to the Democratic Party’s defense of slavery prior to the American Civil War and segregation for a century thereafter, many white Southern Democrats stopped supporting the party following the civil rights plank of the Democratic campaign in 1948 (triggering the Dixiecrats), the African-American Civil Rights Movement, the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965, and desegregation.

The Republican Party continues to employ this Southern Strategy….tweaked it to apply to Latinos…gun control….and of course bloggers and talk show hosts….
as we have become more sophisticated…the “N” word may not be used…but it has been replace by terms such as “foreign”…”out of touch”…”in over his head”, “does not understand our values”…”Muslim” to name a few…although i am sure the “N” word is still used in quiet company….

Donna—I hope everyone’s fundraiser tops out. R-money is creeping me out. I avoid live television like the plague, but last night my husband accidentally landed on an R-money ad and I felt nauseated. I can’t stand the sound of his voice or his smirky look. Let’s all work like the very devil so we don’t have to see, hear or think about that man after November.

Adding my bday greetings to Barack Obama, an outstanding president and most beautiful person!
I was trying to find some news on his bday festivities in Chgo, and I see a NYT story and start to read——and it’s pure sarcasm, a real derogatory and snippy piece—–and I’m thinking ‘who in the world is writing this horrible thing?—-and I scroll up ——and, no wonder, it’s Jodi Kantor. She is a real hateful little b-word. Does not even try to hide her contempt for the Obamas. A bitter b-word.

Google and Internet search engines are all jacked up when it comes to finding positive, non-snide articles about the President. The whole damn Internet is being increasingly run by the same toxic corporations that run our Cable TV media.

And oh no—-the Horrible Knoller is up early tweeting about President Obama “treating himself to a birthday round of golf even tho it’s going to be 97 degrees.” Real nice of him to be so concerned. Ha! He only mentions Obama when he can report on him playing golf or what number this fundraiser is and how much the trip is costing taxpayers. Another great addition to our “news” corps. Bumbling and tripping and falling down and missing the point forever and ever amen.

Happy Saturday morning! Wouldn’t it be amazing to get 51 voter registrations today in honor of President Obama’s birthday? That’s far fetched, but a girl can dream:) Going to a farmer’s market this morning…..should be good! Happy Birthday, President Obama!!!!

Candle and incense burring to wish President Obama a very fine golf game, and a most excellent birthday party! And whatever the hell else he wants to do on his birthday, because that is WHAT WE DO! Hurray for Chips and TOD! :)

AND! one of our dear friends here helped me over into the Gold column while I was sleeping, how lovely a present for the President! I have a chunk of change to donate today, so having links posted would be a great and wonderful help! :lol: Party On!

Reporting is all confused about President Obama’s bday activities. So I’m confused also. See he’s playing golf and spending the night at Camp David—probably a bday party with fam and friends. Some are reporting that his bday will be celebrated at his home with supporters. Local Chgo news just reported he will be at a bday celebration at his campaign headquarters. Others are reporting that the Chgo home party is one of 4 fundraisers he’s attending today. And now I see the Michelle Chgo invitation party is not till next Saturday. Lots of conflicting info.

Also, the President will be having a Surprise B-Day Party with Chicagos Finest. Included in the list is, Al Capone, Mrs O’Learys Cow, Shoeless Joe Jackson Etc!
Mark Knoller will bring all of Twitter with Him…

That’s what happens when reporters are instructed to create as much drama and sensationalism in their “stories” instead of focusing on just the facts. We get conflicting reports, many of which are inaccurate, because reporters are engaged in petty, mean-spirited, school girl gossip, not real journalism.

It’s the middle-school model of pseudo journalism – that’s what characterizes the current American media.

My little granddaughter is ten tomorrow. She also was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and is half Black, half White. She picked up on all of these similarities when she was six. Her birthday celebration is over two weekends too. The first weekend with family and the second with friends at a rollerrink. Our kids usually spread out their celebrations too.

Rachel Maddow has a series of segments this week that I think should be seen together. In them, Maddow dissects Willard and the tax returns, showing clearly that he tried this same program in 2002. She also shows, beyond a shadow of a doubt, how Willard LIED in 2002, pointing out to the rest of the MSM, that Willard has given up the right to be given the ‘ benefit of the doubt’, when it was obvious that in 2002, he lied through his teeth. Here’s a hint, Willard pulled the old ‘ retroactive’ card back then too. How come ‘ retroactivity’ comes into play when Willard is caught in, what would be considered FELONIES with other folks? How many folks get to LIE to GOVERNMENT ENTITIES and don’t get charged?

1. he paid more in tithes to the Mormon Church than in taxes to the country he wants to be elected President.
2. Business dealings partnering with the Mormon Church – using the church status to get out of paying taxes( this one came to me after that Mormon, INC story folks linked to a couple of weeks ago)
3. how he gave his sons 100 million dollars – TAX FREE
4. that he, in no ways, is worth 250 million (more than likely 3 times that much)
5. that the salary for those 1999-2002 Bain years was worth far more than a mere 100k a year…’ at least 100k is probably 8 figures per year…and, if he retired retroactively…did he give back that money retroactively
6. in relation to 5, the lies about him not being at Bain would be exposed
7. the 2009 IRS AMNESTY. He’s on that list. I’ll say it again…
if you’re doing LEGAL SHYT, you don’t need AMNESTY. One only needs AMNESTY from the Guvmint – WHEN YOU’VE BROKEN THE LAW. This also relates to the Mormon, Inc story. They detailed now Mitt Romney was head of the Marriot Corporation’s ‘Investment’ Committee, and how they tried to con the government into accepting a whole lot of tax shelters that the Government found ‘ unappealing’. I love how they use words for rich folks…if it were you or me, they would be saying – THIS PERSON TRIED TO BREAK THE LAW AND WE TOLD THEM NO. If tax shelters are deemed ‘ unacceptable’, that friggin’ means they are ILLEGAL. And, if he’d do ILLEGAL tax shelters for a company, why wouldn’t I think Willard wouldn’t do ILLEGAL tax shelters for himself?
8. the 100 million dollar IRA
9. he’s got way more foreign accounts in even shadier places.

and it is not just by happenstancethat this happens…the tax laws…etc…are rigged to favor the very wealthy…these were laws passed by Congress…and signed into law by whoever was in the White House at the time…

his tax records show in concrete terms what most Americans know…that the wealthy get favorable treatment…

but sis…there is another insight…
i have often wondered why the polls have the President and Romney so close …i think that many Americans would gladly trade places with Romney if could…in terms of his wealth…..that they would take advantage of the biased tax code if they could..that they dream of being wealthy and leisure living…

I think Mitt thinks a person isn’t worth their weight in gold unless they challenge the legality of a law. I say that based on his retort if I paid more than I owed I wouldn’t be worthy of being the President. Not exact wording.

This weekly address…shows what kind of man we have as President..and why he must continue to be our Leader…he inspires me so as i klnow he does so many others….

YOU CAN MAKE IT IF YOU TRY!!!

a statement that the President made in this vidlo…it is also the lyrics from Sly and the Family Stone…..
my nana always told me the same thing….you can make it if you try…to always strive towards excellence…that i had to be twice as good….that no matter what i did…be the best i can be…if i was a street cleaner to be the best street cleaner that i can be…

altho i do not think my nana listened to Sly and the Family Stone..HA!….and she passed away before the Historic Presidentcy of Barack Obama…

Hi Chips and all TODers…………..I have been super busy for the last two weeks but I have been checking in to see what is going on in TODville. I am engrossed in the Olympics and getting ready to visit your land. I will be in NJ for the next few weeks helping my husband pack and ship his stuff back home. It means though that my visits to the USA will not be as frequent anymore. It’s time for us to be together permanently and there is no place like home.I WILL still be rooting for the best President, PBO. WHOO HOO!!!!!

Here is a great youtube video documenting the Willams’ sisters from the early points of their tennis training with their DAD (Venus then age 12 and Serena, 11) through their ascent to tennis megastars.

An especially grand and glorious HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our beloved President Barack Obama, a person of the highest honor, a man of strength and extraordinary vision, a shining example of heart, soul and mind, a UNIQUE human being for the ages. WE LOVE YOU!!

There were some people who donated to my fundraiser a few days ago but did not appear in my dashboard for thank yous. Sometimes it gets a little glitchy. But please do know that I and President Obama sincerely appreciate your contributions!!

Absolutely loved BWD’s 51 reasons to vote for President Obama. Could agree with every reason, and there are more. I remember every president since Harry Truman, and President Obama is absolutely the best. I know he will have a wonderful birthday, and I hope he gets some good rest this weekend! He has earned it (unlike the Congress).
Stay safe and cool…….cool is what I’m hoping for in a couple of months. Tired of setting heat records!

The U.S. Secret Service is investigating a mentally unstable Florida man who made multiple verbal threats against President Obama and former president Bill Clinton, both of whom were visiting the state at the time, law enforcement officials tell ABC News.

Federal agents and deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office descended on the suspect’s apartment complex Thursday, four miles from where Obama was holding a campaign rally at Rollins College in Winter Park.

“They were all over the place with guns drawn, looking for someone,” Stanley Saunders, a resident of the apartment complex, told local ABC affiliate WFTV.

For once, I’m glad to hear that the authorities descended on a place with guns drawn. Personally, I’ve had enough of these people who want to harm other people because of their deranged minds or from following the likes of Sean Hannity.

And it sounded like a big cheer went up in the stands—-hope not—–maybe it was just people reacting to the unusual sight of the flag being blown away.
I have seen others not have hand on heart—-a gal who was on one of winning U.S. crew teams, singing the Natl Anthem, was one. Is that a requirement, or just custom? I think I just stood and sang and not put my hand over heart at sports events either. Just for the pledge of allegiance? I’m confused—-about a lot of things today. :)

Putting your hand over your heart does not mean you love this country any more than those who don’t put their hand over their heart. I’m sure Mitch McConnell put his hand over his heart when the National Anthem is play, but when have his love of country been the last three 1/2 years? Instead his only goal was to make this President a one term President. His main goal wasn’t to get his country economy better, his goal wasn’t to help put Americans back to work, McConnell and other Republicans allow Americans to struggle, to lose homes, all so they might win in November. A bunch of hypocrites.

I also was raised to place your hand over your heart for the pledge and stand respectfully with men taking their hats off for the National Anthem. I also remember years later some started putting their hands over their heart for the song too. I wondered why their was such a big deal over PBO not doing it. I do remember the GOP tried to say in their email smear it was the pledge he refused to honor by putting his hand over his heart. I also remember that it came out it was the song not the pledge and his grandfather taught him to stand respectfully. That was the beginning of the smears with many more to follow.

I liked this comment.. “Maybe he did not make the cake, but if it were not the Presidents birthday someone would of not made his cake, and got paid, so his birthday is a job creator and helps keep someones business going. . The GOP/TP are so ignorant.”

I think they’re at camp, since President Obama told the fudge shop lady this week that Malia and Sasha had “abandoned” him for camp. My 11 yr. old granddaughter heads to her first away camp today—–growing up—sob—–and “abandoning” all of us. Doubt it’s the same one but that would be fun! She can receive my emails but cannot reply—-so I will be flooding her inbox with dumb grandma stuff.

Now that was impressive—-the double amputee from South Africa competing in the regular track events, coming in 2nd in his heat, advancing. That accomplishment takes perseverance and an extraordinary amount of determination. Hats off!!!

This guy is “Tink Tink” Katt Williams did a VERY profane, but also very supportive and very funny comedy routine about him.

The take away message (after all that cussin’ :cool: ) was that haters are always gonna hate, but you have to be in tune with your star player. And your star player is YOU!!

I won’t post it here, because there really is a lot, A WHOLE LOT of cussin’ in the video, but if you want to check it out, just search Youtube for “Katt Williams Poor Little Tink Tink” It’s got 10 million+ views.

Isonprize…saw it. The “haters” hate winners,…yes the Olympic committee wanted to disqualify him because he had an “unfair advantage”!!
WTF.All I can say is Oscar outran his haters, he ran with his heart. I love this man.

Eastwood gave two reasons why he supports Willard, he is “handsome” and he hopes Willard develops a “fair tax code”. The right wing has no policy reasons for supporting Willard. Eastwood thinks a person with his money overseas and pays a 13.9% tax rate is the person to develop a “fair tax code”. THe right wing has nothing.

And, thank you President Obama, because had you not done what you did these stories would likely have never been told ….

Overall, Libya has welcomed me with all its warmth and I have realized that I feel better here than in Moscow. We have our own apartment, I can go out freely without having people stare at my kids because of the colour of their skin or call me a “terrorist” because I wear a headscarf (hijab).

Howdy Os!!!!! Another great getting up day again on this wunnerful, wunnerful birthday for our PBO!!!! After chores and exercise for today, it’s good to finally be able to hang out doing little to nothing. I hope PBO gets a chance to relax as well today.

My political take today is Mittiful will crack. He is already showing signs of distress along the foundation. This is not gonna bode well for the supporters who will have to justify why they wanted him in the first place…..oh wait….they didn’t want him in the first place.

Something Willard doesn’t understand, we may not be as rich, doesn’t mean we are ignorant or stupid, doesn’t take ill gotten money to have brains. Obama supporters have broader, more worldly, more compassionate intelligence. Next on my to do list is a Happy Birthday contribution to PBO. If only we could have him as President for 51 more years, I know, I know, his lovely family deserves some time with him after the next four.

Jon Stewart called Harry Reid “a really, really terrible person” for his unsubstantiated allegation that Mitt Romney hadn’t paid taxes for 10 years. Mitch McConnell said it was “beneath the dignity” of the majority leader’s office to make such a charge.

And conservative commentators are calling on Reid to put his money where his mouth is and release his own tax returns.

But there’s one person who couldn’t care less: Harry Reid.

The ruthless Senate majority leader sees political gold in his attack on Romney — and he’s got the blessing from President Barack Obama’s campaign for the attack, even if he lacks evidence on Romney’s failure to pay taxes.

Reid has calculated that the frenzy created by his charge has accomplished exactly what he sought to do: Turn the focus back onto the GOP nominee’s unreleased tax returns, according to several people close to the leader and the campaign. For Reid, he’s got virtually nothing to lose: His approval ratings back home are still upside-down, and he may not even run for reelection when he’s up for a sixth term in 2016.

On top of that, his aides say, Reid genuinely believes his source — an old friend and longtime investor at Romney’s former company Bain Capital — who told the Senate majority leader a couple months back that the GOP nominee didn’t pay taxes for at least a decade.

Despite the uproar and the lack of additional evidence to present, Reid isn’t going to stop talking about Romney’s taxes.

“What’s the downside? Jon Stewart getting all serious and haughty? Harry Reid could not care less,” said one Reid confidante. “There is no one in politics with a thicker skin. He’s having the last laugh. Reid’s strategy is working. It’s filling news holes and driving conversations.”